Got My Request..Yipee!

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

Just want to say THANKS to SFX. I'm sorta new at exchanging and haven't tried for anything "difficult" before. I wanted Victoria, B.C. in the summer and, by golly, SFX came through. Used a bonus week & I even got an upgrade to 2 bedroom. Can't do that at those other exchange companies!
It wasn't a real long wait, either. So to all you wondering, have some patience.
I've gotten 4 nice exchanges, using bonus weeks, this year. Far superior than what I've received with II.

Love the new website, too, but we could sure use that new directory!
Julie

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Glad you got what you were after and didn't have to wait to long

[I-DE-HO Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close I-DE-HO]

Can't do that at those other exchange companies!

Julie

Congrats! But, yes you can "do that" at other exchange companies. I get nice 2BR offers with my 1BR ski week through RCI all the time.

I did give my ski week to SFX last year and got a nice 2BR on the Big Island. What I don't like about SFX is the lack of weeks 12>18 months out. I plan WAY in advance if possible.

Phil

[camachinist Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close camachinist]

Congrats on your successful request

As a point of reference, did SFX make first contact after your submission, or did you follow up later? I tend to be the "request and wait" type of person, as that is typical policy, but wondered how your bonus week situation was handled.

Enjoy your trip! Victoria/Vancouver are a blast anytime

Pat

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Congrats! But, yes you can "do that" at other exchange companies. I get nice 2BR offers with my 1BR ski week through RCI all the time.

I did give my ski week to SFX last year and got a nice 2BR on the Big Island. What I don't like about SFX is the lack of weeks 12>18 months out. I plan WAY in advance if possible.

Phil

I-DE-HO - I wasn't aware that you could do that with other exchange companies, re: requesting a bonus week up to one year in advance for prime time. I know you could do that as an exchange, but didn't think you could as a "Bonus Week".

Most resorts do not allow members to reserve and deposit time more than 12 months in advance. Thats why you don't see a lot of space 12-18 months in advance. Glad we came through for your Hawaii exchange.

[I-DE-HO Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close I-DE-HO]

I-DE-HO - I wasn't aware that you could do that with other exchange companies, re: requesting a bonus week up to one year in advance for prime time. I know you could do that as an exchange, but didn't think you could as a "Bonus Week".

Most resorts do not allow members to reserve and deposit time more than 12 months in advance. Thats why you don't see a lot of space 12-18 months in advance. Glad we came through for your Hawaii exchange.

Mark,
I guess my post was misleading. I wasn't referring to using bonus weeks because I have never used a bonus week with any exchange co. I was talking about regular exchanges. But my main point still is valid-you don't have a lot of inventory over 12 mo. out. I see nice weeks 12>24 months out with RCI all the time. IMO, availabilty with RCI, to where I like to travel, is best from 11>18 months out. Some of the inventory I see >12 mo. out could also be developer/HOA weeks that get dep. (FF, HGVC, WM etc).

I still see a SFX exchange in my future.

Phil

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

Pat,
I made my request at the end of May for 5/25 to 9/15 2007, figuring that it was one year out and a decent spread of dates. I put in requests for other destinations as well, but this was what I wanted the most. So this phone call from Scarlett was a lovely treat on an ordinary day. I have never called to check on my requests, although it is hard for me to just sit and wait. They have always called me. I've gotten 4 exchanges so far with SFX, 3 for next year and one that was this last July when I called them & booked on the spot (an anniversary gift trip to Hawaii for my son on the spur of the moment.) My other travel plans are too far out to expect any response yet.

I do not use RCI and have been happy with II, even the restrictive ACs that I have received. II does not allow requests for larger than the unit being used for trade. My premium units may pull a larger unit but I cannot place such a request. Bonus weeks will pull anything at 59 days, but again, I can't request anything. But being able to request, upsize, and book premium resorts using bonus weeks at SFX is outstanding.

My confidence in SFX has just continued to improve over the months. My only concern is if I will be able to go to my chosen destinations during non-prime times. That is often my preference and since SFX really only accepts deposits for the most popular travel periods, I wonder if they can fulfill my requests.

So I will continue to use II as well, since I always get top resorts in shoulder seasons with my trades & bonus weeks.

Julie

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Mark and Phil,

OT, I know, but it is true that RCI does have inventory at some resorts two years out. The difference b/t Phil and me is that I don't like it. I see things I will possibly want, but it's too early to commit. If I take one I'm almost certain to eat the exchange fee down the road, but if I don't it won't be there when I want it a year from now I bet RCI makes a mint on those cancellations...

Sigh.

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Pat,
I made my request at the end of May for 5/25 to 9/15 2007, figuring that it was one year out and a decent spread of dates. I put in requests for other destinations as well, but this was what I wanted the most. So this phone call from Scarlett was a lovely treat on an ordinary day. I have never called to check on my requests, although it is hard for me to just sit and wait. They have always called me. I've gotten 4 exchanges so far with SFX, 3 for next year and one that was this last July when I called them & booked on the spot (an anniversary gift trip to Hawaii for my son on the spur of the moment.) My other travel plans are too far out to expect any response yet.

I do not use RCI and have been happy with II, even the restrictive ACs that I have received. II does not allow requests for larger than the unit being used for trade. My premium units may pull a larger unit but I cannot place such a request. Bonus weeks will pull anything at 59 days, but again, I can't request anything. But being able to request, upsize, and book premium resorts using bonus weeks at SFX is outstanding.

My confidence in SFX has just continued to improve over the months. My only concern is if I will be able to go to my chosen destinations during non-prime times. That is often my preference and since SFX really only accepts deposits for the most popular travel periods, I wonder if they can fulfill my requests.

So I will continue to use II as well, since I always get top resorts in shoulder seasons with my trades & bonus weeks.

Julie

Julie - thank you for your post. With regards to your concerns about receiving exchanges in the lesser demand seasons... although as a general rule we market for high season high demand (because that is the most demanded and most difficult to get with other exchange companies), never the less, through out network of strategic alliances and relationships, we have access to inventory through any season of the year.

Assuming a resort is not fully booked, off-season is obviously much easier to secure than high-season.

Hope this helps...